Dante Exum, currently focused on the NBA Finals with the Dallas Mavericks, plans to eventually return to Australia to play in the NBL, stating, "That's the plan."
Dante Exum is just four wins away from becoming the eighth Australian to win an NBA championship ring. While his immediate focus is on his current team, the Dallas Mavericks, Exum has plans to play in the NBL in the future.
The 28-year-old has revitalized his career since joining FC Barcelona in 2021. After winning an ABA League championship with Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, he's now competing with the Mavs in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.
Exum's connection to Australia's domestic league runs deep. His father, Cecil Exum, is a former NBL champion, and Dante himself is a part-owner of the South East Melbourne Phoenix. This makes a future return to the NBL almost inevitable.
Dallas Mavericks / Schedule
Boston Celtics
Dallas Mavericks"Hopefully, one day, I can play for a team and get my debut in the NBL," he told Phoenix Media.
"That's the plan. I still want to be at a good level to play and not just kind of taking a spot. So if we [South East Melbourne] haven't won a championship by then, hopefully I can bring one."
Melbourne-born Exum has never played in the NBL, having started his professional career with the Utah Jazz after being selected 5th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft.
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